For an e-learning module about coronary artery disease and its relation to the ECG, I built a series of models, showing the blood supply to the heart and different locations of heart attacks. A few of them are shown below, firstly a model showing the blood supply to the heart. Below that, a few examples of different locations of cardiac infarctations are shown.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart becomes blocked and the heart muscle can’t get oxygen. If the blood flow isn’t restored quickly, that section of the heart begins to die. Depending on how long the blood supply is cut off, the damage can be mild, severe or cause lifelong problems. In some cases a heart attack can be fatal.
Types of heart attack
Heart attacks can be divided into 2 types.
STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) This is the complete blockage of blood flow in a coronary artery supplying the heart with oxygen-rich blood. Because of the complete loss of blood flow, the full thickness of the heart muscle supplied by that artery may die. This causes a change on the ECG (electrocardiogram). The ECG will show ST-elevation corresponding to the location of the damage to the heart wall.
Non-STEMI (Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction). This is the partial blockage of blood flow in a major coronary artery supplying the heart with oxygen-rich blood. Only part of the heart wall thickness is damaged, and no ST-elevation is present on an ECG.
Curious to see more OF MY WORK?
Click on the images below to have a look at more interactive 3D models I worked on.
